Cambodia Starts Five-Year Inclusive Education Plan to Ensure Quality Education for All Children, Including Those with Disabilities

PHNOM PENH, 01 July 2024 – Last Friday, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, with support from UNICEF, officially launched the Inclusive Education Action Plan 2024-2028, marking a significant milestone in Cambodia's educational landscape. This comprehensive strategy aims to ensure that every child, including those with disabilities, has access to quality education, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.  

Globally, one out of every ten children has a disability, totalling about 240 million, with nearly half living in Southeast Asia. In Cambodia, children with disabilities are three times less likely to attend school than their peers, and Cambodia has one of the largest gaps in school attendance and completion between children with and without disabilities.

“The adoption of the Inclusive Education Action Plan 2024-2028 demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing quality education for all children. By addressing the barriers faced by children with disabilities, we aim to create an educational system that is truly inclusive and equitable. Together with our partners, we will ensure that every child in Cambodia has the opportunity to learn and thrive,” said Excellency Ung Borath, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, during the launch in Phnom Penh.

The Inclusive Education Action Plan 2024-2028 aims to achieve three main goals. Firstly, it focuses on changing societal attitudes to promote inclusiveness and prevent stigma and discrimination. Secondly, it seeks to provide necessary tools and support by ensuring access to assistive technology and services. Lastly, the plan emphasizes collaboration across different areas of government, NGOs, UN organizations and development partners to create a comprehensive, inclusive, and supportive environment for children with disabilities.

“The European Union believes that education for all is the key to unlocking the potential of Cambodian youth, and is essential for reducing poverty and creating jobs in the country. Inclusive education for persons with disabilities provides equal opportunities and recognises the importance of their contribution to the sustainable development of the country”, said Mr. Koen EVERAERT, Deputy Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Cambodia.

“Inclusive education has been an integral part of USAID investments, especially through the use of evidence and data to drive decision-making and ensure no child is left behind,” said USAID Cambodia Mission Director Kerry Pelzman. “USAID is proud of our partnership with MoEYS, the EU, UNICEF and other stakeholders to ensure quality education for all children with and without disabilities, particularly focusing on improving their literacy skills in mainstream and special schools.”

The launch event highlighted the pressing need for inclusive education, referencing the 2019 Cambodia Population Census, which revealed that 689,532 people aged five and up have a disability, with approximately 37,500 of them being children aged five to fourteen.

“Children with disabilities face immense challenges in obtaining education, accessing healthcare, and fully participating in society. They often encounter stigma and discrimination and lack access to inclusive education programmes,” said Will Parks, UNICEF Representative in Cambodia. “While the national education system has made significant progress, more efforts are needed to remove barriers, train teachers, and provide essential resources to ensure every child can thrive. If swiftly implemented, this new plan will significantly enhance access to high-quality education for children with disabilities.”

UNICEF Cambodia, along with development partners, supports the Government in implementing these initiatives in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

Excellency Ung Borath, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport, who officially launched the action plan with Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Representative, Mr. Koen Everaert, EU’s Deputy Head of Cooperation, Ms. Alyssa Moy, Education Development Officer for USAID, and officials from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Disability Action Councils, Sub-national Government as well as Provincial Departments of Education, attended the event alongside NGOs, development partners, UN agencies, and children and students with disabilities, as well as their parents and teachers.